ENCINITAS — Amidst the swirl of kettle corn and classic rock at this year's Spring Street Fair, a new booth was drawing significant attention. The Encinitas Trails Coalition (ETC) made its debut at the massive downtown event, bringing a message of conservation and exploration to the thousands of attendees.
Unfurling large, detailed maps of the city's 40+ miles of recreational trails, volunteers engaged with residents who were often surprised to learn just how connected their neighborhoods are. Many had lived in the area for years without realizing they could hike from Olivenhain to the lagoon without barely touching a sidewalk.
Coalition leaders explained that raising awareness was precisely the point. Encinitas, they said, has one of the best urban trail systems in California, and they want people to use it, love it, and help protect it.
The booth also promoted the upcoming "Trails & Ales" fundraiser, seeking to raise money for new wayfinding signage and habitat restoration. By the end of the weekend, the group had signed up over 200 new newsletter subscribers, a promising sign for the future of outdoor recreation in the city.